Daily Readings - Thu Dec 28 2023
1 John
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Matthew
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.17Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,18In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s light and our response to His will in times of uncertainty. In the first reading from 1 John, we are reminded that God is light, and to walk in His light means to live in truth and fellowship with one another. John emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our sins and confessing them, for it is only through such humility that we can experience God’s forgiveness and cleansing. This passage calls us to honesty before God and to trust in His mercy.
The Gospel from Matthew recounts the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt to escape Herod’s persecution. This narrative highlights the humanity of Jesus and the challenges faced by His family, as well as the faith and obedience of Joseph, who trusted in God’s guidance. The story also fulfills prophecy, showing how God’s plan unfolds even in the midst of danger and uncertainty. Just as the Holy Family had to trust in God’s providence, we too are called to trust in His plan for our lives, even when the path ahead seems difficult or unclear.
Both readings remind us that following God requires humility, trust, and obedience. In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our faith and our willingness to walk in the light of God’s truth. Like the Holy Family, we may encounter unexpected challenges, but we can draw strength from their example. Let us strive to live in honesty and humility, confessing our sins and trusting in God’s mercy. May we also imitate Joseph’s faith, listening to God’s voice and trusting in His plan, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.